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Last month, A24 sent the horror film Opus, starring Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) and John Malkovich (Billions), out into the world – and they didn’t get a very enthusiastic response. For example, JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray gave the film a 6/10 review and the film has only managed to scrape together $2 million at the global box office. Maybe Opus will have more success now that people can watch it in their own homes, as it has already been given a Premium VOD release. The film is available to rent on Amazon for the price of $19.99, or it can be purchased for $24.99.

The feature debut of writer/director Mark Anthony Green, Opus was being kept shrouded in secrecy in the build-up to its theatrical release. Deadline did let us know that the story centers on an iconic pop star’s return following his decades-long disappearance. USA Today elaborated, The horror film...

Detavio Samuels, CEO of Revolt, unpacks his effort to revitalize the cable and digital brand in its second decade on the latest episode of Variety podcast “Strictly Business.”

Amid the disruption in pay TV, racial tension in the body politic, the return of Trump and the challenge of steering an independent Black-owned media platform, Samuels is looking at an uphill climb. Revolt is coming off a hard 2024 as its founder, Sean Combs, was indicted on federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. He’s been accused of heinous crimes.

Combs was key to Revolt’s origin story – the channel was born a dozen years ago in a very different time for media, as Samuels discusses.

But Combs has had very little involvement with the operation of Revolt for years. He became fully divested of his stake last year as his legal problems mounted. As of 2024, Revolt has transitioned to an employee ownership structure.

Apple TV+ has announced the programming that will be added to the streaming service next month. The Apple TV Plus April 2025 lineup includes the comedy series Government Cheese, the third season of the kids & family series Jane, and the drama series Carême and Your Friends & Neighbors.

Apple TV+ offers drama and comedy series, feature films, documentaries, and kids and family entertainment. It is available on the Apple TV app on the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Tcl, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox consoles, and at the Apple site.

Your Friends & Neighbors Apple TV Plus April 2025 Schedule

Available April 11

Your Friends & Neighbors (TV-ma Drama Series)

“Your Friends & Neighbors” is a compelling drama series from creator Jonathan Tropper and starring and executive produced by Jon Hamm.

Already renewed for a second season,...

Apple TV+ describes their new series Government Cheese as a “surrealist family comedy,” and the trailer confirms that’s accurate. Two-time Emmy nominee David Oyelowo stars in the 10-episode series debuting on April 16, 2025 with the release of the first four episodes.

New episodes stream on Wednesdays.

Created by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, the cast includes Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, and Evan Ellison. Jean-Michel Richaud, London Garcia, Djilali Rez-Kallah, Bokeem Woodbine, Jeremy Bobb, and Louis Cancelmi also star. Julien Heron, Djilali Rez-Kallah, Louis Ferreira, Thomas Beaudoin, Kyle Mac, John Ortiz, and Adam Beach round out the ensemble.

“Government Cheese is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world. When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned,...

Today, Apple TV+ unveiled the trailer and key art for Government Cheese, starring multi-award-winner David Oyelowo, who also serves as executive producer.

The ten-episode comedy series will make its global debut on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 16 with the first four episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 28, 2025.

Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston and Evan Ellison, star alongside Oyelowo in the Apple Original series hailing from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr.

Government Cheese is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world.

When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned.During his absence, Hampton’s wife, Astoria (Missick), and sons, Einstein (Ellison) and Harrison (Di’Allo Winston), have formed an unconventional family unit,...

Updated: Apple TV+ has unveiled the first trailer for Government Cheese, its upcoming comedy series starring and executive produced by David Oyelowo.

Oyelowo’s Hampton Chambers has a plan “that’s going to make our family the toast of Chatsworth,” he asserts as the trailer begins. Fresh out of prison, Hampton is attempting a do-over as an inventor, with “a drill’ that “self-sharpens as it works.” Vowing not to do “smash and grabs anymore” Hampton says he’s “on the righteous path.”

The 10-episode series premieres globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 16 with the first four episodes, followed by one episode weekly every Wednesday through May 28.

Check out the trailer above and see series details and first-look photos below.

Previous, Dec. 5, 2024: Apple TV+ has dropped some of the first images for Government Cheese, its upcoming comedy series starring and executive produced by David Oyelowo. You can see them above and below.

Exclusive: Rising Spanish-Colombian filmmaker Gala Del Sol has signed with M88 for representation.

Del Sol is coming off the Sundance premiere of Rains Over Babel, her genre-bending debut feature, which she wrote, directed, and produced. Reimagining Dante’s “Inferno” through a queer, tropical-punk lens, the film is set in the mythical City of Maya, a retrofuturistic version of Cali, Colombia, and centers around Babel, a legendary dive bar that serves as a purgatorial meeting point for lost souls. Presiding over this enigmatic establishment is La Flaca, the city’s Grim Reaper, who challenges patrons to gamble years of their lives in hopes of altering their destinies.

After launching at Sundance, Rains Over Babel went on to make its European premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam earlier this month.

Previously, Del Sol was a finalist for the Student Academy Awards with her short film Pasajeros en trance, which was her thesis from Chapman University.

Lionsgate has revealed the trailer for the action comedy Freaky Tales, which will open in theaters on April 4, 2025. The film has been rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout including slurs, sexual content and drug use.

Set in 1987 Oakland, Freaky Tales is a multi-track mixtape of colorful characters — an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teen punks, neo-Nazis, and a debt collector — on a collision course in a fever dream of showdowns and battles.

The movie was written and directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden. Their credits include Half Nelson, Sugar, Captain Marvel and Mrs. America.

Executive produced by hip-hop pioneer Too $hort, and featuring an all-star ensemble including Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Angus Cloud and Tom Hanks, this pulpy blend of explosive action, edgy humor, gory kills, and sly twists and turns makes for one wild ride.

Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden received the Milestone Award at the 2025 PGA Awards on Saturday. She was presented with the honor by her boss — and previous recipient of the Milestone Award — Disney CEO Bob Iger.

“Over the span of Dana’s career, she’s probably had a hand in more television series than anyone in the business… which speaks volumes about her love of storytelling and creativity, her respect for creators, and the passion and dedication she brings to her job, to our company, and to the industry,” Iger said of his “colleague, friend and neighbor” Walden. “She is a visionary with great creative instincts, who has played a significant role in shaping the modern era of television.”

Iger spoke about giving Walden additional responsibilities over streaming soon after he returned as Disney CEO at the end of 2022.

“She took to that new business extremely well, and she and Alan Bergman...

After leaving its mark on the genre in 2024, A24 has revealed its first horror movie of 2025. The official trailer for Opus, starring The Bear's Ayo Edebiri, has been released.

Edebiri stars as Ariel Ecton in Opus, a young writer who is invited to the remote compound of legendary pop star, Alfred Moretti (Emmy winner John Molkovich), who mysteriously disappeared 30 years ago, for an "exclusive listening experience" he's putting on. "Surrounded by the star’s cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan," reads the synopsis. Produced and financed by A24, Opus marks the debut feature of writer-director Mark Anthony Green. Check out the official Opus trailer below.

Related A24 Period Drama With 93% Rt Score Wins Several Major Awards at Golden Globes

Star Adrien Brody winning for his acting is among several major Golden Globe Awards won after the recent release of the A24 film.

“Is this not alarming to you?”

A24 has finally released some footage from writer-director Mark Anthony Green’s feature debut, Opus, which is set to hit theaters on March 14 following its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 27.

The movie boasts a very impressive cast, including John Malkovich, Rosario Dawson, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Young Mazino, Stephanie Suganami, and Tony Hale. Ayo Edebiri - who was set to join the cast of Thunderbolts* in a mysterious supporting role before being forced to drop out due to a scheduling conflict - plays the lead.

The story focuses on Ariel (Edebiri), a young writer who receives an invitation to meet a reclusive pop star named Alfred Moretti (Malkovich), who has resurfaced after inexplicably vanishing from the public eye for 30 years. Ariel, along with a number of other guests, arrives to a lavish villa for a "once in a lifetime gathering,...

A24 has just dropped the trailer for its latest horror film, Opus. The movie follows a young writer, portrayed by Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri, known for The Bear. Her character is invited to the secluded home of a mysterious pop star played by John Malkovich.

Once there, she becomes trapped in a terrifying situation surrounded by the pop star’s cult-like fans, as sinister events start to unfold.

The cast is packed with talent. Alongside Edebiri and Malkovich, we’ll see Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, and Tony Hale. Other cast members include Tatanka Means, Young Mazino, Tamera Tomakili, and Stephanie Suganami.

Opus marks the feature debut of writer-director Mark Anthony Green. Green, who previously made the short film Trapeze, U.S.A and has a background at GQ magazine, takes the helm for this chilling story. The film will make its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

Earlier this month, an image dropped online to give us our first look at Opus, a mysterious horror project that’s set up at A24 and stars Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) and John Malkovich (Billions). Now, a trailer for the film has been unveiled, and you can check it out in the embed above! A24 is planning is release Opus on March 14th.

The feature debut of writer/director Mark Anthony Green, Opus was being kept shrouded in secrecy, but Deadline did previously hear that the story centers on an iconic pop star’s return following his decades-long disappearance. USA Today recently elaborated, The horror film centers on an ambitious young writer (Ayo Edebiri) invited to the isolated compound of an iconic pop star (John Malkovich) who mysteriously disappeared and hasn’t been seen in three decades. There she discovers, surrounded by the musician’s cult of followers, the twisted machinations behind his grand return.

A24 has released the trailer for its latest horror “Opus,” which follows a young writer played by “The Bear” Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri who is invited to the remote compound of a reclusive pop star (John Malkovich). Surrounded by his cult of diehard fans, the writer finds her herself increasingly panicked as a twisted plan unfolds around her.

Edebiri and Malkovich star inn “Opus” alongside Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder and Tony Hale. The cast also includes Tatanka Means, Young Mazino, Tamera Tomakili and Stephanie Suganami. The movie is set to world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

Mark Anthony Green wrote and directed the film, which is his feature directorial debut. He previously made the short “Trapeze, U.S.A” and worked at GQ magazine. The film’s producers include Josh Bachove, Collin Creighton and Brad Weston through Makeready, and Jelani Johnson and Poppy Hanks through MacRo Film Studios.

More than a year has gone by since we last heard anything about Opus, a mysterious horror project that’s set up at A24, and at that time, the project was assembling its cast. Now, USA Today has unveiled an image from the film that gives a glimpse of the characters played by Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) and John Malkovich (Billions), and you can check it out in this article.

The feature debut of writer/director Mark Anthony Green, Opus was being kept shrouded in secrecy, but Deadline did previously hear that the story centers on an iconic pop star’s return following his decades-long disappearance. USA Today elaborates, The horror film centers on an ambitious young writer (Ayo Edebiri) invited to the isolated compound of an iconic pop star (John Malkovich) who mysteriously disappeared and hasn’t been seen in three decades. There she discovers, surrounded by the musician’s cult of followers,...

Sony won’t be holding the Jan. 13 Hollywood premiere for its upcoming Keke Palmer and Sza R-rated comedy One of Them Days as L.A.’s wildfires rage on.

The studio moved the title to the 4-day MLK weekend corridor as 95% colleges are on break that weekend, not to mention there haven’t been any comedies on the schedule for quite some time. One of Them Days is facing off against Universal/Blumhouse’s Wolfman and Paramount’s expansion of September 5 next weekend.

Lawrence Lamont directed One of Them Days which follows best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (Sza) who are about to have…one of them days. When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend (Joshua David Neal) has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.

One of Them Days...

HarbourView Equity Partners, an alternative asset management company focused on investment opportunities in the sports, media and entertainment space, has tapped strategic firm The CultureShaker, founded by Lucinda Martinez, to lead all brand, marketing and PR promotional efforts for the firm and its portfolio, which includes Mucho Mas Media, its slate of hip-hop biopics in partnership with Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, Flavor Unit and Jesse Collins Entertainment and their most recent investment in Usher’s 2024 concert film “Rendezvous in Paris.”

Lucinda Martinez will serve as HarbourView’s Chief Marketing Officer, while Deborah Renteria on her team will serve as Vice President, Brand & Content Strategy.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lucinda and Deb to the HarbourView family. The firm has expanded rapidly over the last few years and it was only a matter of time before we needed a formidable CMO and marketing team to lead HarbourView’s overall brand...

Keke Palmer, Giancarlo Esposito and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor will receive special awards at the seventh annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors ceremony, presented by Nice Crowd.

The intimate, non-televised dinner will be held on Feb. 17 at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by Zainab Johnson, winner of the 2013 ABFF Comedy Wings competition.

“For decades, these incredible ABFF honorees have captivated audiences and shaped the cultural landscape with their groundbreaking work,” stated Jeff and Nicole Friday, CEO and president of Nice Crowd, respectively. “It’s a privilege to honor Aunjanue, Giancarlo and Keke for their extraordinary contributions to both the industry and our shared culture.”

Palmer will receive the Renaissance award, which is presented to a “trendsetting content creator in recognition of their outstanding work and commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion” through their work. The Emmy-winning actor, producer, author and host recently celebrated the launch of her memoir...

After serving as one of the stars of the hit series Silo, actor David Oyelowo is returning to Apple TV+ for his next project. He's the star and executive producer of Government Cheese, a new comedy series coming to the streaming platform next year.

Officially, the series will debut on Apple TV+ on April 16, 2025. The series will kick off with its first four episodes dropping simultaneously, while nenw episodes will then be released weekly on every Wednesday thereafter until the finale on May 28, 2025. While the premiere is still several months away, first look photos have been revealed by Apple TV+, revealing Oyelowo and other stars of the series in their roles. The images can be seen below.

Related Does Apple TV's Presumed Innocent Connect to the Original Harrison Ford Movie?

Presumed Innocent recently debuted on Apple TV, and it has many fans wondering if the series connects to the original film.

Today, Apple TV+ shared a first look at Government Cheese, starring multi-award-winner David Oyelowo, who also serves as executive producer.

Simone Missick, Jahi Di’Allo Winston and Evan Ellison star alongside Oyelowo in the series hailing from creators Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr.

The 10-episode series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 16, with the first four episodes, followed by one episode weekly every Wednesday through May 28, 2025.

Government Cheese is a surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley that tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world.

When Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo) is released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned. During his absence, Hampton’s wife, Astoria (Missick), and sons, Einstein (Ellison) and Harrison (Di’Allo Winston), have formed an unconventional family unit, and Hampton’s...

Sony is going one week earlier with the Keke Palmer and Sza R-rated comedy, One of Them Days, unspooling the title on the 4-day MLK weekend which kicks off Jan. 17, 2025.

Pic’s new spot will take advantage of 95% colleges on break on Monday. There are also no comedies dated this holiday season, so that’s a plus. One of Them Days will go up against Universal/Blumhouse’s Wolfman and Paramount’s expansion of September 5.

The Lawrence Lamont directed movie follows best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (Sza) who are about to have One of Them Days. When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend (Joshua David Neal) has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.

One of Them Days was written by Syreeta Singleton. Producers are Issa Rae, Deniese Davis,...

Sony’s buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and Sza, “One of Them Days,” is moving its release date to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. The film, previously dated for Jan. 24, will now hit theaters on Jan. 17.

A studio source tells Variety the shift was made to take advantage of the four-day holiday weekend, where no other comedies are currently slated. The TriStar Pictures movie is produced by Issa Rae‘s Hoorae, written by Syreeta Singleton and directed by Lawrence Lamont.

“Best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (Sza) are about to have one of them days,” the logline says. “When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.”

Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal,...

The Producers Guild of America will honor Dana Walden with its Milestone Award at the 2025 PGA Awards.

Walden, Disney Entertainment’s co-chairman, will accept the award at the 36th ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The prestigious Milestone Award honors industry producers that have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry.

Past Milestone Award recipients include Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Sherry Lansing, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy, Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Donna Langley and Charles D. King.

“Her (Walden’s) leadership, first as CEO of Fox Television Group and now as co-chairman overseeing Disney’s global television portfolio, has had a major impact on the business. We are proud to recognize her exceptional and long-standing work in this industry,” PGA presidents Stephanie Allain and Donald De Line said in a joint statement.

For her part, Walden shared her success with industry collaborators.

The Producers Guild said Monday that Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden will receive the Milestone Award, given annually by the PGA for extraordinary contribution to the entertainment industry. The honor will be bestowed during the 36th annual PGA Awards on February 8.

Past recipients of the Milestone Award include the likes of Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock, and more recently Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Sherry Lansing, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy, Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Donna Langley and Charles D. King.

“Dana Walden has made incredible contributions to the entertainment industry, overseeing the production and development of many of the most iconic and award-winning shows in history,” PGA presidents Stephanie Allain and Donald De Line said today in a joint statement. “Her leadership, first as CEO of Fox Television Group and now as co-chairman overseeing Disney’s global television portfolio, has had a major impact on the business.

Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden will be honored with the Milestone Award at the 2025 Producers Guild Awards. She will accept the honor at the 36th annual PGA Awards on Feb. 8, 2025, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in L.A.

The PGA’s Milestone Award honors individuals or teams who have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry. Recipients of the Milestone Award include Hollywood legends Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock, as well as contemporary innovators Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Sherry Lansing, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy, Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Donna Langley and Charles D. King.

“Dana Walden has made incredible contributions to the entertainment industry, overseeing the production and development of many of the most iconic and award-winning shows in history,” said PGA presidents Stephanie Allain and Donald De Line in a joint statement. “Her leadership, first as CEO of Fox Television Group and...

Chris Rock is looking to tackle Hollywood with his new feature Misty Green.

Rock is attached to direct and star in the film for the package that will debut next week at the American Film Market. Neon International is handling foreign rights, with CAA Media Finance responsible for domestic rights.

Misty Green is based on an original script from Rock and centers on a talented actress whose career has been stifled by her vices. Things change when a director (Rock) offers her a tailor-made part that could finally revitalize her path, although the situation is complicated by their turbulent past.

Casting is underway for the film that counts Rock and Peter Rice as producers, alongside James Lopez for Macro Film Studios and Tommy Oliver for Confluential Films. Serving as executive producers are Charles D. King for Macro Film Studios and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films.

Rock has directed such...

Chris Rock (Rustin) is set to direct feature Misty Green in which he will also star, we can reveal.

Based on an original script by Rock, pic is described to us by sources as a contemporary tale of Hollywood excess and inequality.

It follows Misty “who is an undeniably talented actress, but her vices have derailed every attempt to revitalize her career. Her best opportunity in ages arrives in the form of Jordan (Rock), a film director with the perfect role for her – were it not for their contentious past”. Additional casting is underway. Additional casting is underway.

Peter Rice and Rock will produce alongside James Lopez for Macro Film Studios and Tommy Oliver for Confluential Films. Executive producers are Charles D. King for Macro Film Studios and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films.

Neon International will represent the foreign rights and introduce it at AFM next week while CAA Media Finance...

Chris Rock is set to direct and star in “Misty Green,” described as a contemporary tale of Hollywood excess and inequity.

Based on an original script by Rock, “Misty Green” follows Misty, an undeniably talented actress whose vices have derailed every attempt to revitalize her career. Her best opportunity in ages arrives in the form of Jordan (Rock), a film director with the perfect role for her — were it not for their contentious past. Additional casting is underway.

Rock and seasoned exec and former Fox head Peter Rice will produce alongside James Lopez for MacRo Film Studios and Tommy Oliver for Confluential Films. Executive producers are Charles D. King for MacRo Film Studios and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films. Neon International will represent the foreign rights and introduce it at AFM next week while CAA Media Finance will represent the domestic rights.

Rock was last seen on the big...

Keke Palmer and Sza are besties with a big problem: making the rent on time.

The duo star in buddy comedy “One of Them Days” which takes place over 24 hours where things go from bad to worse. The official synopsis reads: “Best friends and roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (Sza) are about to have One of Them Days. When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.”

Maude Apatow, Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, and Katt Williams co-star.

Issa Rae produces the film, which is written by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton and directed by Lawrence Lamont.

The project hailed from the ColorCreative’s lab at Sony Pictures as part of a program between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to foster emerging diverse screenwriters’ first studio features,...

Keke Palmer and Sza are ready to have One of Them Days.

Sony Pictures announced the title for the R-rated buddy comedy movie starring the pair that hits theaters Jan. 24, 2025. Lawrence Lamont is directing the TriStar Pictures film from a script by Syreeta Singleton.

A trailer was also released for the project that co-stars Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage and Amin Joseph.

One of Them Days centers on best friends and roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (Sza), who learn that Alyssa’s boyfriend has squandered their rent money. The pals must scramble to avoid eviction in a race against the clock, while also striving to keep their friendship intact.

“How are we gonna make $1,500 by 6, not to mention I got the interview at 4?” Palmer asks in the trailer.

Producers include Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi for Hoorae,...

Sony has released the first trailer for “One of Them Days,” its R-rated buddy comedy pairing Keke Palmer with Sza, in the Grammy-winning R&b artist’s acting debut.

“Best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (Sza) are about to have one of them days,” the logline says. “When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.”

The trailer shows the lengths the two friends go to for their rent money, including donating blood, climbing a telephone pole to retrieve a pair of expensive Jordans and applying for a loan despite a hilariously low credit score.

Lawrence Lamont makes his feature directorial debut, helming a script by Syreeta Singleton. The project comes from Issa Rae’s banner Hoorae. Singleton and Lamont first collaborated on...

Two Sentence Horror Stories creator Vera Miao has set her next project, a horror film titled Rock Springs. She wrote the script and will direct this horror feature, which will star Kelly Marie Tran, Benedict Wong, and Jimmy O. Yang.

The film's plot revolves around a family consisting of a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother, who decide to move to Rock Springs, Wy after the passing of her father. But shortly after their arrival, they find their lives in danger when they discover the town's dark past and that something monstrous lurks in the woods behind their new house.

Tran is best known for starring as Rose Tico in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. She also voiced the lead role of Raya in the animated fantasy film Raya and the Last Dragon. In addition, she played as Jules Shaw in the...

Kelly Marie Tran, Benedict Wong and Jimmy O. Yang have been set to star in Rock Springs, a new film written and to be directed by Two Sentence Horror Stories creator and Expats scribe Vera Miao.

The plot of the drama centers on a grieving young girl who, along with her mother and grandmother, moves to Rock Springs, Wy after the death of her father, only to discover there is something monstrous hidden in the town’s history and the woods behind their new house.

Vera Miao

Aria Kim (Whisper) and Fiona Fu (Tigertail) also star in the pic, from Macro Film Studios, Juniper Productions, Mandalay Pictures, Counterculture and Gold House. Macro, Juniper and Gold House are co-financing.

Miao, whose Two Sentence Horror Stories ran for three seasons on the CW, originated the idea for Rock Springs and it was developed by Counterculture, which brought on Macro to produce and finance.

M88 has signed actor, producer and photographer Lance Gross for representation.

Gross starred in the Fox TV series “Our Kind of People,” produced by Lee Daniels, opposite Yaya DaCosta, Morris Chestnut and Joe Morton. He also won four NAACP Image Awards for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for his role on Tyler Perry’s long-running sitcom “House of Payne.” His TV credits include CBS’ “Hawaii 5-0” and “MacGyver”; Fox’s “Star”; USA Network’s “Royal Pains” and the Amazon limited series “Too Old To Die Young” from director Nicolas Winding Refn.

On film, Gross starred opposite Jurnee Smollett, Brandy and Vanessa Williams in Tyler Perry’s “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor.” He also appeared in the remake of “Steel Magnolias” for Lifetime, opposite Queen Latifah, Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad and Jill Scott; and alongside America Ferrera, Forest Whitaker and Carlos Mencia in Fox Searchlight’s “Our Family Wedding.

Keke Palmer and Sza will soon be sharing the screen again.

Sony Pictures announced Friday that the forthcoming untitled R-rated comedy movie starring the pair will hit theaters Jan. 24, 2025. Lawrence Lamont is directing the TriStar Pictures film from a script by Syreeta Singleton. Plot details have not been shared.

Rounding out the cast are Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage and Amin Joseph.

Producers include Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi for Hoorae, Deniese Davis for ColorCreative, Charles D. King for Macro Film Studios, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks. Macro Film Studios is also financing the project that counts Singleton as a co-producer. Palmer and Sharon Palmer of Big Boss are executive producing.

The film originated as part of Sony’s CoCre lab, which was a previous collaboration between the studio and ColorCreative to help on-the-rise, diverse screenwriters develop original feature ideas.

Keke Palmer’s untitled R-rated buddy comedy with Sza will be released by Sony Pictures on Jan. 25, 2025, the studio announced on Friday. Sza, who is an Academy Award nominee and four-time Grammy-winning recording artist, will make her big screen acting debut in the film.

The movie is directed by Lawrence Lamont (“Rap Sh!t”) with the screenplay written by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton. Plot details about the buddy comedy are being kept under wraps.

Producing is Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks. Singleton is co-producing, while Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. Macro is also co-financing.

The supporting cast includes Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage and Amin Joseph.

The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures.

Keke Palmer and Sza’s highly-anticipated team-up movie is coming to theaters next January.

The TriStar Pictures movie — produced by Issa Rae’s Hoorae, written by Syreeta Singleton and directed by Lawrence Lamont — will get a theatrical release on Jan. 24, 2025.

The title for the R-rated comedy and other plot details are still being kept under wraps, but the supporting cast includes Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage and Amin Joseph. Last month, Variety exclusively announced the additions of Dewayne Perkins, Joseph, Gabrielle Dennis and DomiNque Perry to round out the cast.

The film began from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures, a previous pact between ColorCreative and Sony Pictures to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas. Moreover, the entire project has developed based on mutual connections.

Sony will be releasing the untitled Keke Palmer and Sza R-rated comedy on Jan. 24, 2025.

The TriStar Pictures title is directed by Lawrence Lamont off a screenplay by Syreeta Singleton.

The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Sony Pictures to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.

Producing is Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. Macro Film Studios is also co-financing.

The supporting cast includes Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage, and Amin Joseph.

The comedy will share marquees on its opening weekend with the...

Exclusive: Rising filmmaker Jay Pendarvis Jr. has signed with M88 for representation.

Pendarvis is coming off of his participation in the first cohort of The Antigravity Academy Screenwriters Camp, hosted by filmmaker and fellow M88 client Carlos López Estrada and former head of the Sundance Artist Community, Abiram Brizuela.

The Antigravity Academy Screenwriters Camp is an intensive and highly selective program which picks filmmakers from a wide range of backgrounds to get direct feedback and mentoring from successful entertainment professionals. Upon completion, fellows emerge with a new draft of their screenplay, a first-look deal for production financing from Unapologetic Projects, and Antigravity’s support to bring the projects to market. Pendarvis’s first feature-length project, Brother’s Keeper, was developed during the program and will be produced by Antigravity Academy.

Pendarvis previously helmed 1-15-41, which received the Programmer’s Award for Best Short Documentary at the 2023 Virginia Film Festival.

Audible, the Amazon-owned podcast and audiobook service, has partnered with the multiplatform media company Macro and Cultivate Entertainment to release “Move: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy.” The nine-episode audio drama investigates the Philadelphia-based Black liberation group Move and its clash with local law enforcement. Hosted by Tariq Trotter of The Roots, the podcast series debuts on Audible Aug. 8.

In the 1970s, a man known as John Africa founded a controversial Black separatist organization in Philadelphia called Move. Members lived in communes according to the lifestyle of Africa, which included free-thinking, a strict raw food diet and deep respect for all living things. As Move gained influence, it attracted the attention of Philadelphia law enforcement.

In 1978, a shootout between Move and the West Philadelphia Police resulted in the death of one officer and sent nine Move members to prison. On May 13, 1985, the City of Philadelphia bombed the Move headquarters,...

Exclusive: Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow and Katt Williams have joined TriStar’s untitled buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and four-time Grammy-winning musician Sza. Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott and Patrick Cage will also star.

The logline is being kept under wraps. Lawrence Lamont is directing with the screenplay written by Syreeta Singleton. Producing is Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. Macro Film Studios is also co-financing.

The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures, a previous pact between ColorCreative and Sony to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.

Howery is continuing to busy, recently starring in Vacation Friends 2,...

Exclusive: Yuri Lamasbella has signed with M88 for representation, Deadline has learned.

A content creator and actress, Lamasbella is known for her viral comedic parodies of reality television moments, particularly her sketches centered on the Kardashian family. She currently boasts eight million followers across social platforms and over 157 million likes on TikTok.

Lamasbella transitioned into writing and performing original comedic sketches after making a name for herself as a beauty creator on YouTube, earning accolades from high-profile media outlets including Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, having collaborated with top-tier brands, including Celsius, L’Oreal, AT&T, and Amazon.

A prominent figure in the digital content landscape, who served as a featured creator at VidCon 2023 and a panelist at the 2024 Cannes Lions conference, Lamasbella launched her own brand Myeahh last year and is poised to unveil new products this year.

Founded in 2020 by former WME partner Phillip Sun...

Exclusive: BET+’s Sundance Film Festival acquisition Young.Wild.Free. has dropped its official trailer (above) ahead of its streaming premiere on June 27. The feature starring Sanaa Lathan, Mike Epps, Algee Smith and Sierra Capri is directed by Thembi L. Banks.

Young.Wild.Free. follows Algee Smith (Brandon Huffman), a hot-tempered high school senior whose claustrophobic life is suddenly thrust into an enticing, dangerous direction after he’s robbed at gunpoint by the girl of his dreams, Cassidy (Sierra Capri).

Being a teenager is rough and Brandon is no different. Between struggling in school, caring for his two younger siblings, and having just been let go from his job, he often uses his art as an escape from the confines of his subdued day-to-day life. Enter Cassidy, a bedazzled bad girl dripping in confidence, freedom, and danger. Lured in by her whimsies, Brandon teams up with Cassidy, seamlessly slipping into the role...

An epic trifecta has formed around an upcoming TriFecta Pictures comedy. With Hollywood force Issa Rae at the helm as producer, the currently untitled film will star the triple-threat actress Keke Palmer and Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Sza, according to Deadline.

The film will reunite creators from the Max original series Rap Sh!t, which was produced by Rae and scrapped at the network after two seasons. Director Lawrence Lamont will direct the film with a screenplay from showrunner Syreeta Singleton. It will mark Singleton’s studio feature debut.

Sza...

Keke Palmer and Sza are set to star in an untitled buddy comedy film for TriStar Pictures.

Lawrence Lamont (“Rap Sh!t”) is set to direct with the screenplay written by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton.

Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and MacRo Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks are producing. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. MacRo Film Studios is coming on board to co-finance and produce.

The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.

Palmer and Sza first teamed up for “Saturday Night Live” in Dec. 2022, when Palmer hosted and Sza was the musical guest.

Lamont has...

Isaa Rae has a buzzy new buddy comedy in the works starring Keke Palmer and Grammy winner Sza, IndieWire has confirmed.

Rae is set to produce the untitled feature for TriStar Pictures. Rae’s “Rap Sh!t” director Lawrence Lamont will direct the film using a screenplay by “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton. The project hailed from the ColorCreative’s lab at Sony Pictures as part of a program between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures to foster emerging diverse screenwriters’ first studio features.

Palmer will executive produce through her Big Boss banner along with Sharon Palmer. Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi will produce through Rae’s banner Hoorae; ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and Charles D. King and MacRo Film Studios’ James Lopez and Poppy Hanks also produce. Singleton is co-producing.

Palmer and Sza did a December 2022 “Saturday Night Life” together — Palmer as host and Sza as her musical guest.

The...

Warner Bros. and HBO have acquired rights to “The Commandant’s Shadow,” a documentary based on the real life Höss family from “The Zone of Interest.” The film comes to theaters May 29 through a partnership with Fathom Events.

According to an official logline, “The Commandant’s Shadow”, “follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the 87-year-old son of Rudolf Höss, as he faces his father’s terrible legacy for the first time. His father was the Camp Commandant of Auschwitz and masterminded the murder of over a million Jews; the life of Höss and his family was recently fictionalized in the Academy Award-winning ‘The Zone of Interest.’ Now, ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ tells the story of the real people who lived on site at Höss’s death camp.”

“We are always looking for opportunities to partner with our friends at Fathom, and ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ is especially worthy of this kind of event-ized theatrical release.” said Jeff Goldstein,...

Exclusive: It looks like the recent team-up on Saturday Night Live went very well as Keke Palmer and four-time Grammy winner Sza are set to star in an untitled buddy comedy movie from TriStar Pictures, with producer Isaa Rae producing. Rap Sh!t director Lawrence Lamont is set to direct, with the screenplay written by his Rap Sh!t teammate Syreeta Singleton, who served as the series’ showrunner.

Plot details being kept under wraps, but Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi will produce through Rae’s banner Hoorae, joined by ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis, and Charles D. King, James Lopez and Poppy Hanks from Macro Film Studios. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. Macro Film Studios is coming on board to co-finance and produce.

The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Columbia Pictures...

The upcoming Apple TV+ series “Government Cheese” has filled out its main cast with four new additions, Variety has learned exclusively.

Jahi Winston, Evan Alexander Ellison, Jeremy Bobb, and Louis Cancelmi have all joined the show. They will appear alongside previously announced series lead David Oyelowo as well as cast members Simone Missick, Bokeem Woodbine, Sunita Mani, and Adam Beach.

Based on the short film of the same name by Paul Hunter, “Government Cheese” follows Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo), described as “a man recently released from prison who struggles to keep his criminal past at bay and win back his family, all while processing moments of divine intervention that seem to happen with increasing frequency.”

Winston is repped by WME and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Ellison is repped by Amplified for management and talent agency Pacific Artists Management. Bobb is repped by Gersh, and Suskin/Karshan Management. Cancelmi is repped by Gersh and Red Letter Entertainment.

Exclusive: M88 has signed actor Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) for representation.

Best known for starring in Destin Daniel Cretton’s superhero flick Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which saw him make history as the first Asian lead in the MCU, Liu was more recently seen starring opposite Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in Greta Gerwig’s record-setting Barbie, taking on the role of Rival Ken in the Warner Bros juggernaut.

The actor broke out with his starring role in the popular CBC/Netflix sitcom Kim’s Convenience and has also previously been seen on Max’s comedy series The Other Two.

Next up, Liu will star in an espionage thriller series for Peacock, which he will also executive produce alongside James Wan for Atomic Monster. Other upcoming projects include the Netflix sci-fi thriller Atlas, in which he stars opposite Jennifer Lopez, and Amazon’s action comedy Grand Death Lotto from director Paul Feig,...